Based on your system voltage, you must first decide which battery is needed and how many to use in order to meet your requirements. For example, you may connect a series of eight 6V batteries, six 8V batteries or four 12V batteries for a 48-volt system. The size of your battery compartment, your performance requirements and costs may limit your options.

Make sure there is enough space between batteries to allow for minor battery expansion that occurs during use and to allow proper airflow to keep battery temperature down in hot environments.

TIP: Connecting batteries in series does not increase the capacity of the batteries; it simply increases the overall voltage to meet your system requirements. Once your voltage requirements are met, if space allows you can double the batteries in a parallel connection—thereby doubling your battery capacity. See diagrams below.

When choosing your battery model, first consider your battery compartment space as this may limit your options. Within your size restrictions you may have several battery options to choose from. For example, you can use a T-605, T-105 or T-125 in the same space, as they are the exact same physical size. The difference between these batteries is the amount of energy they have to offer.

Next consider your energy needs. If replacing an existing battery, use it as a reference point. If your old battery provided enough energy, it can be replaced with a similar capacity battery. If you need more energy you can size up, or if you need less energy you can size down.

TIP: If you do not know what battery to use, contact your equipment manufacturer for their recommended battery specification. Trojan Battery also offers outstanding technical support provided by full-time applications engineers to help you select your ideal batteries.